The mother of a gay University of Wyoming student who was robbed and beaten to death in 1998
said she finds it touching that NBA veteran Jason Collins honored her son by wearing jersey No.
98.

Collins’ number refers to 1998, the year Matthew Shepard was tied to a fence and beaten outside
Laramie, Wyo.

Shepard’s mother said that she hadn’t known about the tribute by Collins, who this week became
the first player still active in one of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues to announce
that he is gay.

“We’re very touched that he regards Matthew as somebody special,” Judy Shepard said in a
telephone interview. “We’re especially happy that now he feels free to be himself. We’re happy for
him, relieved that his news is being received so well across the board.”